STEP 1:  
Understand the requirements

Understanding the various types of education providers and the programmes they offer is essential if you are interested to pursue your studies in Canada as their requirements can be very different. There is also a huge difference in cost between Canadian education providers. You should ideally begin making preparations for your education journey in Canada at least 9 months to a year in advance.

STEP 2:
Choose your course and institution

The first step towards choosing an institution is to ascertain its status as a Designated Learning Institution. Only DLIs can admit foreign students. You will be required to finalize a specific major course when applying to study in Canada. The Canadian academic setup is flexible towards switching courses, although it is best to compare your options beforehand and choose a major that you are truly interested in pursuing.

STEP 3:
Take the Language Proficiency Test

Every international student who want to study in Canada must demonstrate their fluency in either English or French. The preferred English language test is IELTS, while some institutions will also accept results from the TOEFL or Cambridge English: Advanced exams.

For French, you can opt for DALF, DELF, or TCF, although the TEF exam is the most common option.

​STEP 4:
Apply to universities

It's time to get in touch with the universities you want to apply to, get their application packs, and send them early. You can apply to as many education providers you wish to but you must take into account the application fee, which ranges from $100 to $250.

Compare your choices, decide on your preferred programme and university, and then pick one or two backup possibilities.

Most applications are made directly to the education providers with some instances of centralised admissions portal such as the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) which processes undergraduate and professional applications for admission to Ontario's universities.

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You can also use the help of an education agent/ consultant to navigate your applications, especially the study permit application which can be complicated for students going abroad to study for the first time. 

STEP 5:
Apply for a Study Permit  

​It's time to apply for a Canadian Study Permit now that an institution is prepared to accept you. You can apply either online or in a local visa application centre to IRCC. Your application must be submitted with the acceptance letter issued by your education provider, your passport, and an official documentation proving you have enough funds to attend college in Canada. There are also a couple of other forms you need to fill as part of the application. 

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If you have applied to an institution in the province of Quebec, then you will also receive, along with the acceptance letter, a “Certificat d’acceptation du Québec” (CAQ). Make sure you include this document in your study permit application.

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Study Plan: In addition to your supporting documents, it is very important that you also submit a Study Plan along with your application. In your Study Plan, explain why you have chosen Canada as your study destination, your educational goals, ties in your home country and other important facts and reasoning to support your application. 

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Police Certificate: You must obtain a police certificate for each country or territory where you have lived for six consecutive months or longer since reaching the age of 18

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Proof of sufficient funds: Evidence of accumulated funds that show a history of at least six months that is sufficient to cover at least 1 year of course fees and living expenses in Canada

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Medical and Biometrics: After lodging your application online, you will be required to undergo a medical examination at an approved panel clinic and lodge your biometrics with the Canadian visa centre in your location. 

STEP 6:
Travel to Canada

Once your study permit is approved, you can make arrangements for flights, airport transfer and accommodation in Canada. Your permit will have a start date, which is the date from which the permit comes into force. Keep in mind that you won’t be permitted to enter Canada before this date. Plan your travel accordingly.

The immigration officer will verify your permit and other documents at the port of entry before allowing you to enter Canada. This is the final step of the immigration formalities and you can now focus on commencing your journey as an international student in Canada.